Just a Taste
Nicoletta had been surprised when she had received the invitation, very surprised in fact. It had arrived by owl and it was not common for her to have mail waiting.
Dear Guest,
You are hereby invited to a private study group, made up of carefully selected students. Our first meeting will be held at Malfoy Manor, on Sunday the fifth of April, at noon. Enclosed you will find a portkey that will bring you to the Manor. Please be on time, and do not mention this to anyone.
Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy
Inside the envelope she had found a small, brass key, wrapped inside a patch of velvet. Of course, declining the invitation was not an option, as one did not refuse a member of the Malfoy family, so when the day arrived Nicoletta made herself ready. She wore her red dress, truly the best colour on her, despite her love of traditional Slytherin green. Her hair shone like silk, and for effect she pulled it half up in a red ribbon. Pulling on a light shawl, she made her way out of the school and into Hogsmeade. It was here that she would activate the portkey. She made her way down a deserted alley and took the key from her pocket. The moment it made contact with her flesh, she felt the familiar lurch in her stomach. Nicoletta hated portkeys with a passion. “This had better be a pretty damn good study group,” she thought to herself, as the world dissolved around her.
Seconds later she found herself directly outside of Malfoy Manor. She had been to the estate a few times before, for social events, but was always awed by the sheer size of it. She walked up and rang the doorbell. A house elf opened the door for her and took her shawl. She was shown into what could only be the library, and seated herself on a large leather sofa. It appeared as though she was the first to arrive, so she began to wander, reading the titles of the books, which lined the shelves. Some of the books were quite rare; others had to be older than the Manor itself. Suddenly she heard a voice from behind her. “Do you see anything you like?” She turned to find Draco Malfoy sauntering into the room. As usual, he was dressed impeccably in a pair of charcoal gray slacks and a gray sweater. He sat down on the couch, patting the space beside him in invitation. He gave a slight smirk when she hesitated. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.” She walked over and sat beside him, folding her hands in her lap.
“It’s getting late,” she said suddenly noticing the time. “I’m surprised no one else has arrived yet.” “Oh yes, it’s a shame,” Draco replied. “No one else was able to make it for today. I suppose it’s just you and me.” The last three words had seemed drawn out and deliberately spoken. Suddenly, she realized just how close Draco was sitting. A flush ran up through her body and into her cheeks as she stammered, “Well, I… I suppose we should get to studying then.” Draco laughed and rose from his place on the couch. “Yes of course,” he said. “But you must be starving. Just let me get you something from the kitchens.” Before she could protest, he was gone. Eating was truly the last thing on her mind. Her stomach had already been nervous at the thought of the study group, but the idea of being alone in a room with Draco was sending it into spasms.
It was only a few minutes before he returned, his arms laden down with a crowded platter. She had never seen so much food in one place. There were hot fudge sundaes, cakes, brownies, bars of every kind, and at least one of everything from Honeydukes. She had a feeling that her reputation as a sweets-lover had proceeded her. Even with the abundance of treats before her, Nicoletta felt very little inclination to eat. “You must try the sundae first,” Draco said, sitting back down beside her. “You wouldn’t want it to melt and make a mess.” She shook her head just slightly, keeping her hands in her lap. “Oh come on,” Draco said softly. “Just one taste, for me?” He took the spoon into his own hands and slowly scooped up a small amount of ice cream and chocolate. He leaned in closer, brushing up against her arm as the spoon met her lips. The mixture of the warm fudge and cold ice cream was exquisite, and Nicoletta couldn’t help but close her eyes and savour the sensation.
When she opened her eyes again, she found that Draco was still leaning in; resting just a few inched from her face. “Good isn’t it?” he asked, a sly smile playing across his lips. She couldn’t help but admit that it was. Next, Draco picked up a small chocolate cake and took a bite. He leaned back against the arm of the couch, holding his eyes to hers as he licked a loose crumb off of his lips. Again he leaned in towards her, holding the same small cake. “I know you’ll love this,” he whispered, almost directly in her ear. Again, she shook her head, although with much less conviction than before. Draco obviously wasn’t convinced, as he brought the cake to her mouth. She obliged him, taking the rest of the cake into her mouth. Draco laughed slightly as her teeth grazed his fingers. “And you said you weren’t hungry,” he said with a smirk. He had edged closer with every bite and by now he was pulled up against her, closer than she had ever been to him before. The contact sent shivers down her spine, and she questioned the wisdom of remaining in such a position.
A she pondered this thought, Draco reached down and picked up two small creamed mints, her favorite treat from Honeydukes, and a rare indulgence. He popped one quickly into his own mouth. The other he held out for her. “Just one taste,” he whispered roughly. He raised the mint to her lips and she accepted it greedily. The last morsel was barely down her throat, when Draco grabbed her roughly. His hand entwined in her hair, he pulled her closer, pressing his warm lips to her own. Unable to protest, she was entirely lost in the sensation. It seemed as though he was attempting consume her, as he had done the cake or mint. She could almost taste the chocolate on his tongue, as it melded with her own. Surprised at herself, she responded with as much passion, moaning slightly into his mouth. As quickly as the kiss had begun, Draco pulled away from her. She moaned again, feeling the cold air fill the space he left beside her. Emboldened, she reached out for him. He allowed her to move closer, but did not meet her lips with his. Suddenly, she felt Draco slip something cold and hard into her hand, and felt the familiar lurch in her stomach. As the room dissolved around her, she heard him laugh, “No, I told you. Just one taste.”